GAA make retrospective decisions on John Small and James McCarthy incidents

Both incidents proved to be big talking points in the aftermath.

Dublin’s James McCarthy will miss the first competitive game in 2022, after receiving a ban following an incident between himself and Diarmuid O’Connor, in last month's All-Ireland semi-final. Mayo had just scored a 45, thanks to a re-taken kick by Rob Hennelly, that forced the game into extra time. As McCarthy was running back into position, he swung his elbow back which collided with O'Connor, hitting him in the throat and forcing him to go down to receive treatment. Despite complaints from the Mayo players, the referee, nor any of the officials saw the incident, and the Dublin star didn't get as much as a yellow. It did spark something of a ruckus which saw Aidan o'shea run on to the field, despite being subbed off already, and getting involved in an altercation with Philly McMahon. Referee, Conor Lane, blew the whistle for full time in the middle of this barrage of pushing and pulling. The GAA’s Central Competition Controls Committee (CCCC) has since reviewed the incident, and agreed that McCarthy was deserving of a red card, thus the suspension will see him miss the first 2022 league game. Another incident that was revisited, was the clash between John Small and Eoghan McLaughlin, that resulted in the Mayo defender breaking his jaw in two places. However, it was decided that Small would not face any retrospective charges, and will be available for Dublin for the beginning of the 2022 campaign.